All about Balance

I have had an interest in photography since I was about 15 years old. I remember being on a beach in Ireland and I had my disposable Kodak in hand and took a photo of footprints in the sand. When I developed the photo, my dad loved it! He said it looked "artistic" – I never looked at a photo the same way again.

Fast forward, and here we are. It's autumn, and we're standing in front of Hayden Lake, located in North Idaho. This is one of my favorite locations to shoot. I find myself coming back here when I need a creative release. I just grab my camera, hop in the car and head here. I love how tiny the trees make me feel, they can really put things in perspective. When I capture that with my camera, I want to make the viewer feel that way too. One of the best things about capturing that moment is that nature won't give you a retake if you don't get it right the first time. No do-overs. I find that kind of rush extremely addictive.

Photography has given me an outlet, and editing my photos has given me a new way to look at art. I like dark; I like dramatic. I'll think of the photo as a mood ring. Using the colors that nature has provided me that day, I have in mind the lighting I wish to achieve in editing which helps when trying to get the exposure I need in camera. Once in editing, I feel really drawn to vibrant colors with moody shadows. It's all about balance for me. Nature is all about balance.

If there's one thing I've learned the most through my photography journey, it's patience. Nature has helped me slow down, but photography has taught me to be patient. Time disappears when I'm out in the woods, and I'm so fortunate to live in a place like Idaho where it's just a few steps out my front door.